Friends of Downe Activity Centre hoped to ensure that future generations of young people were able to enjoy the site.

TSA then informed them they would take the site to auction, mid-February and that Friends of Downe could proceed with their bid outside of this process as a parallel planning opportunity for The Scout Association.

Charles Darwin lived in the road along from Downe House and undertook his famous worm experiments on at least two areas of the site.

The site was supported by a committee one of whom was Sir Jeremiah Coleman, together with his wife, he donated money to build the Providore as their golden wedding anniversary gift.

Campdowne has been attended by Scouts and Guides from all over the world, set in both the woodland and open fields the camps offered a unique and unforgettable ten day programme of events and activities.